Description
Across Uganda, approximately 25% of the population still lacks access to clean, safe drinking-water[1]. This means that every day, around 9 million people are risking their lives and health by drinking from contaminated water sources. Bio-sand water filters (BSFs) provide a cheap and simple solution and can have dramatic health, economic and social benefits. By passing water through layers of sand and sediment, they are able to remove up to 100% of worms and protozoa, up to 98.5% of bacteria and 70-99% of viruses.
Previous BSF recipients report a reduction in infectious diseases such as cholera, dysentery and diarrhoea, fewer work days lost due to illness and caring for the sick, and less time lost in fetching and boiling water. Many previously spent an hour each day on boiling their water (15 days per year), which they can now use more productively on other activities. Mothers have also noticed a positive impact in the area of education – children learn better when they go to school properly hydrated.
Each filter can be shared by several households. One BSF therefore provides clean water for around 12 people per day and saves the community an estimated £200 in charcoal costs and medical fees. The reduced fuel use also means that fewer trees need to be cut down, which protects habitats and keeps carbon locked up.
We all need a health check from time to time and your bio-sand water filter is no different. So each one is carefully monitored for the first year of its life. Over four visits, an A Rocha Uganda staff member will run through a checklist to check the flow rate, the condition of the filter and that it is being correctly cleaned and maintained.
By including a Regular Health Check with your purchase, you will help to monitor your filter for a year, ensuring that it continues to contribute positively to the health of the household and save trees from being cut down.
[1] World Health Organization, 2015. Water, sanitation and hygiene: Exposure by country [online] Available at http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.167?lang=en [Accessed 26/7/16].
What do you get?
Following checkout you will receive the links to download two versions of the e-card (one formatted for emailing, one for printing at home). For a printed gift card mailed either to you or the gift recipient, please choose the appropriate shipping option from your basket or checkout page. You can personalize it with a message in the shop checkout.
Delivery within the UK is free, but you may like to add an optional contribution to help us cover our costs. International delivery charges apply.
How your money will be spent
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